MEET HANAFI BELKADI, THE HEART AND SOUL OF LE BAYADÈRE RESTAURANT

The Anchor of a Lifetime: 28 Years of Devotion at the Heart of Elysia

Hanafi Belkadi’s perspective on the luxury hotel industry goes beyond mere professional observation; it is the result of twenty-eight years of dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering passion for people. He joined the Champs Élysées Plaza as a bellhop in August 2017 and has never left this establishment, now known as the Hôtel Elysia. He chose to make his home here because of the precious balance between family and professional life, but above all because of a vision of luxury on a human scale, which he places at the top of his priorities. 

 

 

Testimony of a Changing World: Between Tradition and Modernity

Over the past three decades, Hanafi has witnessed the industry undergo a dramatic transformation. The number of hotels has doubled, competition has intensified, and the expectations of international guests have become more refined. Yet, in the face of this rapidly changing world, he remains true to an unwavering motto: to be efficient, discreet, and detached, while remaining deeply committed. For him, Le Bayadère is much more than a restaurant; it is a home he has watched grow, from the post-COVID reopening when tables were still sparse to today’s lunchtime services, which are often fully booked. He sees this success as a personal victory.

 

The Soulful Touch: Turning Hospitality into a Human Connection

His career has taken him through major establishments, from the Jules Verne to the Pullman, including the National Assembly. But Hanafi found these places to be somewhat impersonal. At Le Bayadère, he discovered that extra touch of soul that allows staff to recognize each guest, anticipate their preferences, and forge a genuine connection. He fondly recalls a regular lunchtime guest telling his companion that Le Bayadère was one of the best restaurants in Paris. For a man driven by humanity, such recognition is the greatest reward of all.

 

 

The Dawn of Excellence: The Mechanics of Everyday Life

Hanafi’s day begins at dawn, at six in the morning. With an ease that only years of experience can provide, he oversees breakfast service, orders, and the complex logistics of the weekend. What might seem like a routine to some is, for him, a mastered art, a well-oiled machine that allows him to offer personalized service to every guest. His secret to longevity? A love for a job well done and for the people around him.

 

 

The Legacy of the Heart: Passing on the Passion to Future Generations

To the young talents entering the hospitality industry today, Hanafi offers a fundamental lesson: dedication and hard work always pay off. Technical skills are acquired over time, but motivation and commitment are the true keys to success. Speaking with the wisdom of an expert, he confides that he would advise his younger self to delegate more—proof that one continues to learn, even after a twenty-eight-year career. Hanafi Belkadi thus embodies this heartfelt hospitality where excellence isn’t just displayed; it’s lived.